PM Modi to visit J-K for power boost

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit Jammu and Kashmir shortly — most likely in the first week of July and is expected dedicate to the nation the Rs. 2,100 crore and 240 megawatt (MW) Uri-II hydroelectric project located near the Indo-Pak border.

He may also inaugurate the critical 25-km Rs. 1,100-crore Udhampur-Katra rail link, which will improve access to the Vaishno Devi shrine. Katra is the base camp for the cave shrine.

Power minister Piyush Goyal will also accompany Modi to J-K. According to sources, Modi may also visit the Vaishno Devi shrine.

Constructed by the NHPC, the Uri-II hydro power project is located on river Jhelum near Uri in Baramulla District of Jammu & Kashmir. It comprises of four units of 60MW each and is the second stage project of NHPC, the first being the 480-MW Uri-I hydroelectric project.

The 25-km Udhampur-Katra railway line became operational earlier this month after trials were carried out from New Delhi to Katra. At present, trains go up to Udhampur and the new section will take pilgrims directly to Katra.

The rail project was to be inaugurated by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh but was postponed as the Railways Safety commissioner had pointed out some deficiencies ahead of the function. All these deficiencies stand rectified now.